Funds will pay for Solar Powered Trash Compactor
WEST BRIDGEWATER – The Town recently received $3043 in grant funds from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (CEC) Renewable Energy Trust that will help pay for a solar powered trash compactor from Waste Management. The compactor, which runs entirely on renewable energy from the sun, will be placed at Friendship Park to promote a clean environment while saving on fuel and labor costs.
The CEC board of directors approved more than $2.5 million in grants for communities throughout the Commonwealth.
“This is a great program to have,” Selectman Eldon F. Moreira said. “It encourages young people to recycle more and gets everybody aware of what they should be doing.”
Developed by BigBelly Solar, the compactor can hold 180 gallons of trash, which is five times the capacity of a standard 35-gallon barrel. When the bin is full, it flattens the contents so that it can be removed more easily and signals wirelessly that it needs to be emptied. This process eliminates labor and fuel costs associated with numerous pick-ups and eases harmful emissions. The compactor is also enclosed, eliminating litter and preventing animals from dragging out any rubbish. Additionally, it includes separate receptacles for recyclable materials such as glass, plastic and newspaper.
“We’ve been putting a lot of time, effort and resources toward policies and technologies that concentrate on efficiency and recycling, not only to save money, but to conserve our energy,” said Jerry D. Lawrence, selectman. “It’s a bonus that this newest endeavor will be out there for our youngest citizens to learn about and appreciate.”
Installation of the solar powered trash compactor is the latest move the Town has made to do its part in alleviating harmful effects on the environment. In late July, the Town instituted a successful paper recycling program that to date has generated more than 52 tons of recyclable paper, saving the Town hundreds in hauling fees.
“It’s another step in making West Bridgewater a greener community,” said Forestry Superintendent Christopher Iannitelli, who helped secure the grant. Iannitelli and the Forestry Department are responsible for the upkeep of Friendship Park.
“This is just one example of how clean energy practices lead to multiple benefits for a community,” Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Matthew Albanese added.
The total cost of the equipment is $4965. Waste Management is expected to absorb the remaining balance after the grant funds are applied.
The CEC, created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, serves to foster growth of the state’s clean energy industry through seed grants to companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations; job training programs; and workforce development grants. The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, a division of the CEC, supports the installation of renewable energy technologies with funds provided by small renewable energy charges on electric bills.
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